EVALUATING THE FREQUENCY OF LUMBAR SPINAL DISEASES WITH LOWER BACK PAIN ON MRI AT A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

Abstract

Background: Low back pain (LBP) is one of the most prevalent musculoskeletal conditions worldwide, contributing significantly to disability and economic burden. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) offers superior sensitivity in detecting degenerative, traumatic, neoplastic, and infective spinal pathologies.
Objective: To determine the frequency of lumbar spinal diseases among patients presenting with LBP using MRI at Rehman Medical Institute, Peshawar.
Methods: A descriptive cross‑sectional study was performed including 162 patients aged ≥15 years undergoing lumbar MRI. Data were analyzed using SPSS‑22.
Results: Degenerative disc disease (DDD) was the most common pathology (85.8%), followed by traumatic lesions (7.4%), infections (5.5%), and idiopathic causes (1.2%). Disc bulge (82.2%) was the predominant degenerative abnormality. L4‑L5 was the most frequently affected level. Females showed a slightly higher frequency of LBP compared to males.
Conclusion: Degenerative disc disease remains the leading cause of LBP, predominantly affecting individuals aged 30–45 years, with L4‑L5 most frequently involved.

Keywords

 Low back pain, Lumbar spine, Degenerative disc disease, Disc bulge, Spinal stenosis, Osteophytes, Lumbar intervertebral discs, Degenerative spinal pathologies..